Tempt… the word and the topic… for the children’s after school Bible lesson … Jesus’s forty days of temptation in the wilderness the story…
I’m reminded as I teach… and share with the second graders… It’s not a sin to be tempted… and I ask… Do you believe it…?
They look at me funny… some half raise their hands as they do… but it’s true…
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 ESV
Jesus was tempted in every way common to man… but He did not sin… therefore… being tempted is not a sin… to fall to… or give in to temptation… that’s where you cross the line…
Sometimes I think we feel guilt over temptation… believe we’ve already sinned… so what the heck… but that’s just not true…!
This reminder about temptation puts all back in perspective… just because we feel it… doesn’t mean we have to do it… and it may not even be our real desire…
My real desire is to follow Him… glorify Him with every moment of my day… so when I’m tempted to judge someone’s behavior… or think I know the motive behind their action… or treat someone as less than the Image in which they are made… I can stop… I can repent… change my mind… before I cross the line…
Before I sin in my anger… say the words… lash out seeking revenge… I can stop… and remember my true desire… to glorify Him…
With this perspective… many temptations quickly become very… very… small…
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Do you believe it…?
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